Industrial Control Systems Research (Cybersecurity Research Intern)

We are seeking a Cybersecurity Research Intern focused on Industrial Control Systems to join our team in Princeton, New Jersey. This role is ideal for a MSc or PhD student passionate about cyber attacks on industrial assets and advancing autonomous cyber defense strategies. You will be instrumental in supporting research activities by working on state-of-the-art research to address challenges posed by sophisticated cyber threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).

An ideal candidate will have a strong background in programming and configuring basic industrial devices such as PLCs and HMIs.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with other interns, senior researchers, and project leads, offering your expertise while gaining invaluable experience in a cutting-edge, technological environment. You will support a large research project with demonstrating impact of misconfigurations in ICS networks and necessary controls associated with preventing ICS attacks.

This internship is an on-site position at our Princeton, NJ, USA office. Remote work is not available. Siemens offers interns a competitive salary, along with RT mileage reimbursement and monthly housing allowances.

The challenges and responsibilities:

ICS Testbed and Cyber Scenario Creation and Configuration:

Assist in configuration and programming of industrial devices to replicate a near realistic industrial processInvestigate and create cyber security attacks within the configured testbed to assist with training of various cybersecurity models

Development of Training and Testing Environments:

Assist with the creation of automated controls (both attack and defense) as part of a training environment for cybersecurity modelsAssist with the development of model training and testing environmentsAccommodate integration of said environments into a broader platform

Collaboration and Reporting:

Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers to brainstorm and develop innovative solutionsPrepare and present progress reports, technical documentation, and research papers to internal and external stakeholders

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience:

Must be currently be enrolled full-time in a M.Sc. or PhD program in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or a related fieldExperience with PLCs, HMIs, and engineering softwareUnderstanding of industrial control systemsBasic experience writing Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Control Language (SCL), Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and/or Structured TextProgramming and fast prototyping skillswritten and verbal proficiency in English

Successful candidates must be able to work with controlled technology in accordance with US Export Control Law. US Export Control laws and applicable regulations govern the distribution of strategically important technology, services and information to foreign nationals and foreign countries. Siemens may require candidates under consideration for employment opportunities to submit information regarding citizenship status to allow the organization to comply with specific US Export Control laws and regulations. Additional information on the US Export Control laws & regulations can be found on https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/deemed-exports/deemed-exports-faqs

Preferred:

Experience with professional software development environments (e.g., Jira and Gitlab, or similar platforms).Experience with vulnerability analysis, software security, or AI applications in cybersecurityAbility to think critically, solve problems, and work independentlyExcellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail, crucial for developing accurate scenarios and functionalities.Effective communication and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating with other interns and project stakeholders.Eagerness to learn and adapt, with a willingness to delve into new tools and technologies as required by the project.You’ll benefit from:

Siemens offers a variety of health and wellness benefits to employees. Details regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.benefitsquickstart.com/siemens/index.html.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 to $45.00 per hour depending on years in school. The actual wage offered may be lower or higher depending on budget and candidate experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications, and premium geographic location.

Build a better #TomorrowWithUs

About Siemens:

We are a global technology company passionate about industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. We build resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, smarter buildings and grids, sustainable transportation, and advanced healthcare. Our technology adds real value for customers.

What do we offer?

Within Siemens Foundational Technologies (FT), our team is part of Siemens’ central Research & Development department. The team is composed of consultants, innovators, engineers, and researchers that unite a passion about cybersecurity and securing our customers’ assets and networks - in domains such as control systems used in energy utilities that are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, smart factories, building automation systems, intelligent transportation systems, healthcare, and innovative new products and solutions developed by Siemens. Our close contact to all our business units in Siemens provides the opportunity to contribute to and gain experience in real industrial applications.

Our research team is in beautiful Princeton, NJ, a university town packed with exceptional international talent that provides a unique feel of this true cultural gem in the state. The town has plenty of activities to offer, but for those looking for more, at just about 1h drive we have NYC or Philadelphia. We have the best public schools in the country and all the above glued together by a very active and welcoming community.

As Siemens’ central Research & Development department, we embrace this community. Our core mission is to support our Siemens business units as a central knowledge hub for all cybersecurity capabilities globally. We research and develop new and innovative solutions, based on much-needed deep technical expertise, and our network with internal and external experts and academia. This allows us to invent new solutions and approaches and verify their feasibility in the “real world” together with the product development teams of our business units – creating a stimulating setup for quick innovation cycles and rapid prototyping.

As an intern in our team, you have the opportunity to experience a professional industrial research team and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of a career in industrial cybersecurity.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

We appreciate your outstanding identity and perspective. We are fully dedicated to providing equitable opportunities and building a workplace that reflects the diversity of society. Come bring your authentic self and build a better tomorrow with us. Learn more about our dedication to DEI here.

At Siemens, we are fully committed to protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and ensuring the health and well-being of our employees. These principles are deeply ingrained in our Business Conduct Guidelines and corporate strategy.

US Export Control laws and regulations govern the distribution of important technology, services, and information to foreign nationals and countries. Siemens may ask candidates about citizenship status to align with US Export Control laws.

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Siemens is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

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